Saturday, April 4, 2015

I was fortunate to capture some of my father's story and record it for the extended family to listen to. I did not get to hear all the stories before he passed away but we do have a good archive of the stories in his voice to listen to when we want.Whether you celebrate Easter or Passover, the holiday weekend should bring families together. To help foster a good conversation between the generations and to capture the history that the elder generations still remember is made easier with the new StoryCorps app and smart phones.Settle in, enjoy the 21 min video and download the app for your Apple or Android device and set up to record.

Do you have a Google account? If you do, you know all the applications that the one account can provide for free. If you don't have one, there is a class at the Franklin Library on Wednesday, Apr 8th that will walk through setting up a Gmail account (with Google).Space is limited for this session, please call the Library to register.

The "recent' audit is actually an annual event for Franklin. This year was an achievement in that the audit results were the best of the past several years.

A recent audit of the town has found its finances “solid and well-managed,” while drawing attention to a multimillion-dollar post-employment benefits liability still looming over every budget.

Melanson & Heath, a New Hampshire-based accounting and tax firm, presented information from its audit to the Town Council this week. The firm gave Franklin an unqualified opinion, meaning it believes the town’s financial statements are sound and free from any material misstatements.

Karen Snow, an accountant with Melanson & Heath, highlighted the town’s upgraded bond rating, which improved last year from AA to AA+.

“Part of the reason (Standard & Poor’s) upgraded that is because they feel you have a nice solid fund balance and you don’t have any plans to spend that fund balance down,” Snow explained.

This race is located in Andover and for a good cause. If you don't know Colleen's story you can find out about it here.

#StepUp4Colleen - May 3, 2015

30 days from today thousands will participate in the second annual Step Up for Colleen 5k Walk/Run. Are you ready to Step Up for Colleen?

If you have not yet registered, please sign up today to take advantage of pre-race registration savings. Also, the first 3,000 registrants will receive a Badger C2 performance T-shirt.

This year's course is pending certification by USA Track and Field and will follow the pulse start model. Whether you are an experienced runner, a walker, or just a family gathering together for a good cause, everyone is welcome. All participants will wear a bib number with an electronically-readable chip and prizes will be awarded to the first three male and female finishers.

Register today and save $5! Registration is $30 through Sunday, April 19th and will increase to $35 after the 19th.

If you have already registered, thank you! We look forward to seeing you amongst the sea of pink on Sunday, May 3rd. Please remember to share on Facebook and Twitter the graphic (below) you received in your thank you e-mail and encourage friends and family to join you in Stepping Up for Colleen.

We look forward to seeing you on May 3rd and again, thank you for Stepping Up for Colleen!

Sincerely,

The Ritzer Family and Step Up for Colleen Race Committee

Proceeds from the event will support the Step Up for Colleen Fund at the Essex County Community Foundation which benefits the Colleen E. Ritzer Memorial Scholarship Fund. The Fund provides college scholarships to high school graduates who pursue education as a college major and reflect Colleen's values.

We look forward to seeing you on May 3rd and thank you for Stepping Up for Colleen!

Some Reasons Why People are Stepping Up for Colleen

I want to Step Up For Colleen because I want to honor my teacher who not only helped me love math but who taught me what being good and kind to people is all about.

I'm stepping up for Ms. Ritzer because I've learned that teachers don't just teach they change lives. She changed all of our lives and it's time to give back to her.

Ms. Ritzer was an engaging and dynamic teacher! She made every student feel special. Her memory should be remembered and celebrated!

The Curry House is offering the first #shopFranklin customer special!Every Monday and Tuesday in April, you will receive 1/2 off your second entree (the lesser priced) when you dine in and show the attached image.

This group was formed in response to our desire to help support and promote our local, independently owned and operated businesses in Franklin and create a community where we respect and support our neighbors.

All area residents and small businesses are welcome to join and post on the page according to the mission of supporting Franklin’s independently owned businesses.

1. Motorists will be required to turn on headlights and taillights whenever the windshield wipers are on.

2. Motorists will be required to turn on headlights and taillights when visibility is reduced so that persons or vehicles are not visible at 500 feet due to insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions - Law will take effect April 7, 2015.

Franklin Police Station, Panther Way

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From the Downtown Partnership general meeting on Thursday, Milford Daily News writes about the update on the construction project by Town Administrator Jeff Nutting:

At the meeting, he presented an artistic rendering of the finished island in front of the Rome Restaurant on East Central Street.

“The island gets smaller and really busy between the flagpole, the sign, the troth, the planters; in working with the Downtown Partnership, we plan to buy the planters and then surround them with stonework — similar to in front of the Town Hall,” he said.

Business owners say a lack of parking is one of the major barriers preventing more people from shopping and eating in the downtown.

Nutting believes he has found a partial solution to the issue of parking: Next month, he will deliver a proposal to the Town Council asking for the removal of the downtown meters in favor of two-hour parking. In addition, commuter rail passes will only be active from 5 a.m. to noon, freeing up spots that might otherwise be taken.

Thursday, April 2, 2015

The Town Council meeting was varied and efficiently conducted in just about an hour. The summary of items discussed and where appropriate voted on is as follows:

A proclamation was made to recognize Franklin as a "Purple Heart Community"

The liquor license transfer from Soco Rose to GBU was approved.

The DPW was authorized to purchase a 'hot box' to help improve the pot hole patching process.

Chief Gary McCarragher presented on Ping4Alerts, a new alert system being deployed by MEMA and Franklin for all the alerts and other targeted important notifications.

The auditors talked about the "unqualified opinion" that Franklin received as being the highest rating and how "solid and well managed" Franklin was overall.

The insurance payments for the Keller sprinkler incident required a Council vote to approve the disbursement. As the payments had come to the Franklin accounts, the Council needed to authorize the payments to the vendors involved. Most of the insurance reimbursements had gone directly to the vendors and hence did not require a Council vote.

We would like to invite the public to be part of a studio audience at our new Cable TV studio. We are inviting the public to a series of thirty-minute shows on topics trending in education with a focus on raising resilient children.

The first is to be held on April 14th at 9:30 a.m. at the studio on 23 Hutchinson Street.

The topic is: Giving Youth Sports Back to Our Kids, featuring Jay Horrigan, who has a wealth of experience through his involvement with sports programs at all levels.

The new studio is beautiful... we are so lucky to have it in our town. This is a great opportunity for people to visit and interact on topics of interest.

From Hockomock Sports we find that both the boys and girls lacrosse teams topped their counterparts from Canton High School on Wednesday.

Boys Lacrosse

FHS Panthers

Canton, 6 @ Franklin, 17 - Final - After struggling against an aggressive Canton team early, Franklin finally settled down according to Panther's head coach Lou Verrochi. Jack Vail led the way with five goals and an assist, Austin Kent had two goals and four assists and Alex Campbell had two goals and two assists. DJ Shea had 11 saves in net and Mike Sullivan, Alec Borkowski and Sean Lockhart were "excellent in close defense," Verrochi said.

Girls Lacrosse

Franklin, 14 @ Canton, 4 - Final - Emily Jeffries led the way for the Panthers with four goals and an assist. Kendall Reardon added four assists for Franklin and Caroline Lounsbury and Diana Griffin each recorded their first career goals. For Canton, Mary McNeil had a hat trick and Mary Nee had a goal and an assist.

The stage is set for this year's WMRC Local Music Awards! On May 17th hundreds of musicians, fans and local music supporters will gather at Liz's Diamond Bar and Grille in Hopedale to honor, celebrate and relish all that The Greater Milford Area Local Music Scene offers.

The festivities will begin at 4:00pm with a special pre-awards show featuring the band TETER TODDERS and friends. The official award ceremony starts at 5:00pm featuring a red carpet introduction of nominees, 10 live performances and 30 award presentations.

WMRC 1490 AM

"There is such immense talent in our direct area" said event organizer, Ray Auger of WMRC First Class Media Solutions in Milford. "Four years ago, I decided it was time to honor the talent that encompasses Milford and its surrounding 13 towns. We make one hell of a night of it! Everyone, 21 plus, is invited to attend and enjoy a night of local music at its best… and it's FREE!"

This event is designed to look and feel as if it would be a night at the Grammy Awards. No detail is missed. There will be red carpet, VIP Lounge, SWAG, interviews; must-see-fashion, laminated VIP passes for those lucky enough to be granted access to the VIP Lounge, live performances and coveted trophies handed out throughout the night included the Stanley Cup of local music honors, The Headliner Award. The WMRC LMAs were designed to honor the arts in style.

"The focus on local music from WMRC has been amazing, says local musician and promoter Tom Pile. "The WMRC Local Music Award event is a spectacular celebration of what the local artists have accomplished over the past year, voted on by their fans and peers. Every year seems to get better and better."

Voting for the 30 multi-genre categories begins April 1st and runs through April 14th. For more details on the WMRC Local Music Awards like the Facebook page or visit http://wmrcdailynews.com./

A small group of area residents has organized in opposition to Spectra Energy’s planned 10.1-mile natural gas pipeline in Massachusetts.

Spectra Energy, a Texas-based company, has submitted a proposal to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend its Algonquin Gas Transmission pipeline system into the Northeast. The Atlantic Bridge pipeline, if approved, would connect into the existing 1,127-mile-long Algonquin line.

Joining more than 60 other cites and towns in the state, the Franklin Town Council has embraced the designation of “Purple Heart Community” in recognition of local veterans.

The council at its meeting Wednesday approved a proclamation, which Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting will forward to the state’s Military Order of the Purple Heart chapter, declaring the town among the many Purple Heart Communities in Massachusetts.

GO! for a walk...GO! for a hike...GO! for a paddle, or pedal, or tour!

What is it?

An exciting new fall activity for the 25 towns of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor during the entire month of September, 2015. Blackstone Heritage Corridor will coordinate and promote a program of free, guided experiences and other events to highlight the wonderful resources in our valley!

The Blackstone Heritage Corridor, Inc. enjoys the partnership of numerous organizations all working to protect, support and enhance our communities and region. In the following section, we list just a sampling of their activities and events taking place during the coming month.

April 4 - Wintertime Farmers Market

Visit Hope Artiste Village every Saturday from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. through May 9 for local products. Don't forget to bring your recycling, and drop off your clean egg cartons for farmers to reuse.

The string and vocal trio Low Lily (formerly Annalivia) explores the roots and branches of American folk music with traditional influences and modern inspiration that weaves together a unique brand of acoustic music. Multi-instrumentalist Tim Connell makes his BRT debut with expertise in mandolin, Irish tin whistle, guitar and bass in music of many varied countries from around the world.

Held each spring, the annual Awards Celebration is a unique opportunity to recognize individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to Pawtucket. The recipients embody civic leadership and entrepreneurship representative of the Pawtucket Foundation's core values: collaboration, vision, sustainability, quality of place and excellence.

The Massachusetts Historical Commission is pleased to announce that Round 21 of the Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund (MPPF) grant program has been scheduled. The MPPF supports the preservation of properties, landscapes and sites listed in the State Register of Historic Places. Eligible applicants are municipalities and nonprofit organizations.

A workshop will be held at the Millbury Public Library from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. to explain the program requirements, review program materials, and provide an opportunity to ask questions.

The Wildlife Conservation Society's North America Program recently announced its next round of grantmaking through the WCS's Climate Adaptation Fund.

Awards will be made to non-profit conservation organizations for applied, on-the-ground projects focused on implementing priority conservation actions for climate adaptation at a landscape scale. Interested organizations should carefully review the information outlined in the Request for Proposals (RFP) and the Applicant Guidance Document for instructions.

The International String Trio is a group of exceptionally talented musicians that prides itself on its stylistic diversity and delivers music across a broad spectrum of sounds including Gypsy jazz, Appalachian folk, acoustic world music, virtuosic classical arrangements and popular songs from movie sound tracks.

Attract native mason and leafcutter bees to your yard with an attractive and simple-to-make bee hotel. Our native bees are solitary, peaceful, and rarely sting. Learn how important bees are to us and what we can do to help them in our own back yards. All materials will be provided for you to construct your own bee house, and you'll get to help build a big one for the sanctuary.

The Open House will coincide with the Herring Run on the 10 Mile River. Watch for the flag signal at the top of Hunts Mill Lane. The keeping room exhibit will focus on research materials from our library and master gardeners will be on hand to answer questions. From 1:00 - 3:30 p.m.

Because of the large amounts of snow we've had this winter, Hearthside's season opening was delayed and will take place on Sunday, April 12th. Guided tours will be offered to the public between the hours of 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. with the last tour starting at 3 p.m.

Location: 677 Great Rd, Lincoln, RI 02865

April 12 - Blackstone River Theatre

Martin Carthy & Eliza Carthy

For more than 40 years veteran guitarist Martin Carthy has been one of folk music's greatest innovators. For this event, he has paired with his fiddle-playing daughter Eliza, who has won many awards of her own, for folk music at its best.

You can capsulize most pop music acts by reciting how many hits they've had and how many millions of albums they've sold. But these conventional measurements fall short when you're assessing the impact of The Beach Boys.

Hearthside will host a Downton Abbey Dinner Party and you're invited to this elegant event that is inspired by the TV series. Both the setting and the meal will be opulent, certainly meeting the standards of the Crawleys to enjoy on this side of the pond.

Reservations for the Downton Dinner Party may be made by calling Hearthside at 401-726-0597. Seating is limited.

will be partnering up to start improvements to part of Ridge Trail. Work will consist

of cutting and brushing back. Each person's work that day will go towards the

match of a grant BSTRA received. Please wear appropriate clothing for working in the woods, including sturdy shoes and wear gloves. Check-in is 8:30 a.m., trail work begins at 9:00 a.m and continues until 1:00 p.m. Lunch will be served upon completion.

The Máirtín O'Connor band has been steadily evolving into a cohesive musical entity. Individually recognized figureheads of the tradition, they have built solid reputations as master musicians with astounding skill, diversity and virtuosity. Together they produce a vibrant and musically charged experience that redefines one's concept of brilliance, verging on perfection.

Support the BRWA's efforts to clean up the Blackstone River Watershed. Join them for their annual Earth Day event!

Once again, the BRWA will be asking scouts, church groups, families, and local businesses to support the BRWA's efforts to clean up the Blackstone River Watershed. Last year there were more than 200 people assisting in seven towns throughout the watershed!

Now in its fifth season, Slater Mill's Ghost Hunts are paranormal investigations of what is considered to be one of the most haunted places in New England.

Renowned paranormal investigators Carl L. Johnson, his twin bother Keith E. Johnson, and their associates, present a unique investigation of Slater Mill's historic structures after dark. Slater Mill's haunted past attracted the attention of the T.A.P.S. crew, which featured the mill on an episode of the Sci-Fi Channel show "Ghost Hunters" in 2008.

will be partnering up again this year to celebrate Park Serve Day by cleaning up the SNETT. Work will consist of cutting and brushing back along the trail. Every person's work that day will go towards the match of a grant that BSTRA received. Please wear appropriate clothing for working in the woods, including sturdy shoes and wear gloves. Check-in is at 8:30 a.m., trail work begins at 9:00 a.m. and continues until 1:00 p.m. Lunch will be served upon completion. Rain date is April 26.

Enjoy getting outdoors, re-connecting with nature, and helping one of our wildlife sanctuaries tackle their spring "to do" list. We'll have a variety of volunteer projects at 16 sites across Massachusetts. Join our corps of volunteers and find out where you can volunteer and how you can make a difference in just one morning.

Many hands make light work so please join us for the annual MA DCR spring work party.

Youth over 12 are welcome with a parent's signature. Youth groups are required to pre-register. Contact us for registration forms. Bring tools such as rakes, shovels and loppers. No power tools. Dress for work and the weather. Don't forget gloves, insect repellant and sunscreen. Water will be provided.

Location: Meet at the Headquarters Building at Upton State Forest near the intersection of Westborough and Southborough Roads in Upton, MA. (GPS 205 Westboro Rd, Upton, MA).

Known for their captivating sound and engaging stage presence, Burning Bridget Cleary is currently one of the hottest young acts on the Celtic and folk music circuits with a reputation for presenting high-spirited Celtic music.

As the government continues to focus more and more on the retirement plan market place, what does this mean for you as an employer running a benefits package? We will discuss the increased regulations, how it affects your day to day responsibilities and how to protect yourself and your business.

The Captain Planet Foundation is accepting applications from schools and nonprofit organizations for its Ecotech Grant program, a new initiative to support projects that motivate children through the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields while challenging them to reimagine the way their world can be.

Sixteen grants of $2,500 each will be awarded to schools and nonprofit organizations in support of projects that use innovation, nature-based design, or technology to address local environmental problems. Ideal projects will integrate environmental education with opportunities for children to solve real-world problems by using science practices and technology to help care for the environment. Preference will be given to applicants who have secured $2,500 in matching funds or in-kind contributions. In addition, priority will be given to student-directed projects that provide materials that make the project easy to replicate, including lesson plans, protocols, videos, adaptations, and examples of student work.

The MSA is currently seeking nominations for the 2015 Massachusetts Service and Volunteerism Awards.

The MSA invites you to nominate an outstanding Blackstone Heritage Corridor individual in either of two categories: Getting Things Done, and Lifetime Achievement. Alternatively, you may nominate a nonprofit organization or business for the Higher Ed/Community Service Partnership, Service-Learning Partnership, Corporate Partnership, or Nonprofit Volunteer Program Award.

MSA will pay tribute to the winners during a special Awards Luncheon Ceremony at the 2015 Massachusetts Conference on Service and Volunteering on Monday, June 1st at the Sheraton Framingham Hotel.